The Pro Bowl is in town for the first time ever which means that some of the best in the NFL are here to enjoy Walt Disney World ahead of the game on Sunday. There are a lot of activities going on at the Pro Bowl Experience in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, but recently some of the players and cheerleaders joined Mickey and pals for a celebratory parade down Main Street USA.
Denver Broncos receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier and Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker participated in the parade. After the parade, we had a chance to chat with some of the players.
It was Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders first time to Walt Disney World. “You’ll never forget your first time at Disney World”, Sanders said. “Playing in the Super Bowl (50), I wanted to be the MVP so I could say ‘I’m going to Disney World'”. Playing in the Pro Bowl finally gave him the opportunity to bring his whole family. His son stole the spotlight and made the most of his first visit to Walt Disney World.
Demaryius Thomas was also experiencing Walt Disney World for the first time and said he was excited to get on some rides. He was definitely making the most of his first visit, leading a parade with Mickey Mouse and having some fun with reporters as seen on the left below.
We got a little more time with Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier. Shazier has been coming to Disney since he was a child and says his earliest childhood memory of Walt Disney World was the time he got to spend sitting on his dad’s shoulders as they experienced the parks. When asked about his favorite ride on property, he didn’t hesitate with Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
The five Pro Bowlers were also joined in the parade by finalists for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award and kids and families from Make-a-Wish Central and Northern Florida and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).